Tarek Azzam

Accomplished Country Manager with extensive experience in leading operations, driving growth across & commodity Trading and Energy Market. Proven ability to enhance operating margins through strategic cost optimization, establish efficient operational teams, and foster robust client relationships. Demonstrated success in revenue generation, achieving top performance within the Middle East region.

Expertise includes P&L management, business development, and navigating complex government regulations. Adept at establishing new legal entities and laboratories, alongside comprehensive oversight of commodity business segments and key account management for major industry players.

Country Manager - Saudi Arabia & Bahrain - Intertek - Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia

(2014-08 - 2026-02)

• Spearheaded a team of over 80 employees across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
• Enhanced operating margins through targeted cost optimization initiatives
• Established operational teams in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to maximize efficiency
• Fostered and maintained robust relationships with key clients
• Achieved the highest revenue generation within Intertek Middle East
• Oversaw revenue generation, collection, and dispute resolution with customers
• Led the Commodity business segment across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for Intertek offices globally
• Served as Key Accounts Manager for prestigious clients including Aramco, Maaden, Luberef, Samref, Sadara, Tasnee & Petro Rabigh for Intertek
• Developed strategic plans for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on a five-year basis
• Established a new laboratory in Jubail, Saudi Arabia
• Instituted a new legal entity in Saudi Arabia for Intertek branding, transitioning from local sponsorship
• Optimized financial controls and enhanced profitability
• Negotiated effectively with clients to secure new business opportunities. Demonstrated full command of government regulations, policies, and labor laws in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
• Assumed additional responsibilities for managing the Kuwait branch. Functioned as an operational excellence and technical advisor for key
• Executed and managed commodity trading activities in oil & gas and energy markets
• Coordinated with suppliers, clients, and financial institutions to support trading and financing operations

Assistant General Manager - Saybolt Saudi Arabia - Jubail, Saudi Arabia

(2013-04 - 2014-07)

• Orchestrated all operational activities for the branch
• Managed outstanding payments from a diverse client base
• Led the bidding process and submission of quotes for new contracts
• Facilitated comprehensive training for newly hired team members
• Served as the primary point of contact for multiple key clients
• Held ownership of HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) and operational excellence initiatives
• Functioned as operational excellence and technical advisor for Key clients

Operations Manager - Saybolt Saudi Arabia - Jubail, Saudi Arabia

(2009-08 - 2013-08)

• Oversaw comprehensive operational activities, maintaining weekly client communication
• Coordinated liaison efforts between Saybolt branches and key customers, including Aramco
• Functioned as the Exxon Mobil coordinator for the Middle East region, ensuring smooth operations
• Monitored market trends, pricing, and policy developments to guide trading strategies

Operations Manager - Saybolt Kuwait - Kuwait, Kuwait

(2008-03 - 2009-06)

• Championed turnaround initiatives to restore operational efficiency and profitability
• Successfully improved the branch's financial performance, transitioning from losses to profit within one year
• Established and implemented new operational processes for the Kuwait office

Assistant Operations Manager - Saybolt Bahrain - Manama, Bahrain

(2007-07 - 2008-03)

• Communicated daily operational updates to clients, ensuring clarity on instructions for the team
• Provided team members with training in accordance with ASTM standards

Senior Petroleum Surveyor - Saybolt Egypt - Alexandria, Egypt

(2006-05 - 2007-02)

• Monitored operations to ensure seamless execution of all procedures
• Liaised between staff and clients to effectively implement instructions
• Conducted training sessions for new hires
• Compiled and prepared monthly technical reports for each inspector
• Coordinated terminal operations before and during service execution
• Managed the maintenance and operation of Auto Sampler equipment, ensuring quality control for bulk crude oil, LPG, LNG, Bitumen, Sulphur, Pet. Coke, and other petroleum products

Port Supervisor / Shift Leader - Alexandria Petroleum - Alexandria, Egypt

(1992-05 - 1993-05)

• Collected samples of final products for laboratory testing against standard specifications
• Reviewed final product packages and managed expiry date records to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Managed operational programs for each shipment, effectively communicating instructions to the team
• Handled unique operational cases, including significant losses and demurrage issues

Assistant Operations Manager - Rochem Inspectors - Alexandria, Egypt

(1993-02 - 2006-04)

• Coordinated and communicated with clients, terminals, and ports regarding all operational matters
• Reviewed shipping documents for accuracy and consistency prior to dispatch
• Conducted inspections and tests, resolving any discrepancies with clients
• Developed and submitted detailed inspection reports to clients. Applied additives to enhance the quality of petroleum products such as gasoline and gas oil
• Executed sampling operations aboard vessels, adhering strictly to ASTM, API, and IP standards
• Participated in the Loss Control Division at the General Petroleum Company (GPC)
• Operated as a loading master in S.T.S (Ship-to-Ship) operations, ensuring compliance with stringent safety and quality standards
• Conducted bunkering surveys across all Egyptian ports
• Managed Auto Sampler System operations onboard vessels
• Performed test runs for crude oil at various terminals and analyzed various petroleum products at Rochem laboratories
• Supervised diverse operations, including S.T.S operations in the Suez area and blending for different product grades. Acted as an expeditor for special operations, including crude oil COW (Crude Oil Washing) procedures, tank cleaning, and wall washes
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of ASTM, IP, and API Standards/Guaranteed Specifications
• Oversaw loss control measures during inspections of truck loading and discharges of gasoline, jet fuel, gas oil, and Bitumen

Bachelor - Chemistry - Alexandria university (1984 - 1989)